Abdominal support.



D; B. HO'LCOM'B. ABDOMINAL SUPPORT. APPLICATKON HLED DEC. 14. me.

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D. B. HOLCOMB.

ABDOMINAL SUPPORT. APPLICATION FlLED DEC.14.1916.

1 $5951 3, Patented Mai. 19, 1918.

. 3 SHEET$-SHEET 2- D. B. HOLCOMB. ABDONHNAL SUPPORT. APPLICATION man DEC. \4. 1916.

1 ,259, 5 i 3 2 Patented Mar. 19, 1918. i 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- osteopathic professions as ptosis.

DAYTON B. HOLCOMB, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ABDOMINAL SUPPORT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 19, 1918.

Application filed December 14, 1916. .Serial No. 137,063.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, DAYTON B. HoLooMB, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Abdominal Supports, of which the following is a description.

My invention belongs to that general class of devices known as abdominal supports, and relates particularly to a viscera support to be used by those afiiicted with falling or sagging stomach or viscera, this ailment being known or termed by the medical and Heretofore physicians of the various schools have applied suspensories, girdles or abdominal bandages for supporting the internal organs, when considered necessary, and in some cases where the patient is tr ubled with ptosis, it has been possible to afford some relief by the application of such appliances. It has generally, however, been possible to afford relief in such manner where the patient has a large or pendulous abdomen, as a portion of the suspensory or girdle can in that case ordinarily be constructed to underlie the abdomen. In cases where the patients are of slight build or thin, and do not have a protruding or pendulous abdomen, such a band or girdle would generally afford no relief and accomplish no beneficial results, but on the contrary might even be injurious by merely compressing the sagging organs without supporting them. My improved device is particularly adapted and intended for use by patients afflicted with ptosis, hernia, and other ailments, which the same may benefit, and is especially applicable for patients having a straight or non-protruding abdomen, or at least an abdomen where the ordinary girdle, corset or other device would afford no support or relief. The invention has among its objects the production of a device of the kind described that is simple, convenient, efficient, comfortable and satisfactory, that is adapted for male or female patients, and regardless of their physique. It has particularly as an object the production of a support that will extend inwardly the required distance to afford ample support to the various parts or viscera, and prevent the patientfrom sagging down. The'same is adapted for use in cases of certain kinds of ruptures or other troubles, I shall not, how

ever, endeavor to point out all the uses and advantages of my improved device, as well as the possible variations in the same, to make the same applicable to lit the conditions of the various patients, as the various uses and advantages, as well as the necessary variation of the same will be obvious from the disclosure herein made to those skilled and engaged in the artand professional work in which the need of such de vices would be brought to their attention.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts,

Figure 1 is a View in elevation of a portion of a corset with my improved device applied thereto, the inner faces of the pad displayed;

Fig. 2 is, a sectional view through the two pads arranged together in operative relation with each o her;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the pad parts;

Fig. at is a perspective view of the other part; a

Fig. 5 is a front elevation of a pad and girdle particularly designed for male patlents;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the patterns employed in making up the Fig. 7 is a sectional view substantially similar to Fig. 2, enlarged to show the construction Fig. 8 is a sectional view through a portion of a human body, illustrating the ap plication of the device;

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of a female pelvic, also illiilstrating the application of the device.

It may be mentioned before describing the device in detail, where the same is intended to be employed by female patients, the same may be fastened directly to the corset, so that it may be applied or removed with the corset. Utilizing the corset permits the doing away with a separate girdle or band for carrying the device and maintaining the same in place. For male patients I prefer to put the device on and formthe same as part of a girdle, band, or the eqi'irvalent, which serves substantially as a corset. Obviously, the female patients may use the same kind of a girdle properly fitted to them as shown for the male, if in the opinion of the physician the same seems desirable. In its broadest cnse the invention-consists of a suitable support having a pad formed therewith and arranged so that when the same is applied to the patient the pad will project inwardly above the upper part of the pubic arch, and forms substantially a shelf or. support for the viscera.

Referring to the drawings, I preferably makethe support in the form of two pads 1 and 2 of suitable size, shape and material, the exact size and shape depending upon the particular patent for which the same is intended. In the form of the device shown in Fig. 1, one pad is arranged to lap over the other at the inside, while in the form shown in Fig. 5 hereafter described the two pads only abut at their meeting ends 'or edges. Referring first to the form of the device shown in Figs. 1 to f and Fig. 7, the pad part 2 is extended at 3, the extending part 3 being of sufficient thickness to produce enough stiffness so that it is self supporting on the part 2, and does not ordinarily wrinkle or become easily displaced. The device is shown secured to a corset 6, which is of a size to fit the patient, the pads being provided with extending parts 4 and 5 respectively which may be sewed, hooked, laced, or otherwise secured'to the corset, this being a matter of preference. Any one of the three methods mentioned is generally satisfactory, the sewed construction being ordinarily preferred for the reasons hereafter given. The application of the same to a girdle or belt, or the equivalent, in lieu of a corset, as shown in'Fig. 5, in which 7 represents the girdle, will also be hereafter set forth. Where the pads are made in two parts, as shown, their meeting edges or ends may be detachably secured together by the eyes and hooks 8 and 9, or equivalent means for the purpose. Where the extension 3 is not desired or used, the pad 2 substantially ends at the point marked 10, indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. l. Where the extension is employed, however, 1 preferably provide means for securing the outer or free end of the extension to the other pad part,

ordinary glove fasteners 11 and 12, or their equivalents, being suitable for the purpose.

The pads shown are preferably formed wit-lithe outside substantially straight with i v the inner face preferably, but not necessarily, bulged or formed as at 14-, with the bottom 15 of greater width than the top 16,

that is to say the pad is thicker at the bottom than at the top,- the same tapering from the inner edge at the bottom to the inner [edge of'the 'top, 'anid slightly bulged in the preferred-form, as mentioned. This'is prob support in the desired manner.

1,2se,5is

ably more clearly shown in Fig. 6, which substantially shows the patterns of the va rious parts, and 17 being the outer face provided with the ends 18-18, top 19, bottom 20, and the inner face 21. The pad is ordinarily substantially crescent-shaped, as indicated in Figs. 5 and 9, or that is formed to fit the patient, and the same is slightly shorter at the bottom than at the op. It will be noted by referringto Figs. '2, 3, at and 7 that I provide stays 26 at the front of the two pads extending from the top to the bottom. These tend tostilfen the pads and retain them in shape. I also prefer to attach a garter 2 l, or its equivalent, to each pad, the same being secured to the pads in the preferred construction at the points where the stays are, and preferably about 7 sents a ortion of the fasteners which mav I be similar to corset fasteners, by which the the wearer. In this case the pad consists of the parts 27 and 28, similar to pad parts 1 and 2, except that they do not overlap, which are secured together by hooks and eyes 29, or equivalent means. The same is also provided with the garters 24f similar to the other construction. While ordinarily the fasteners 89 and 29 would maintain the pads in place, assuming that the same is secured to a girdle or corset, I prefer to employ the separate fastening means for-the corset and girdle, so that there is practically no pulling strain on the pad parts tending to separate them. In this case the pad parts are secured to the girdle by the parts 30, similar to the parts t and 5, in the construction illustrated inFig. 2. It is, of course, understood that the girdle 7, or its equivalent, is of a size, style and form to most comfortably fit the patient, as well as to provide the It may be of any .desired material, either elastic or non-elastic." In some cases an elastic material may be found desirable, while in others girdle is secured around and to the; body of the elastic material would not be at all suitable or desirable for the patient. p

The preceding partially covers in'a genmay be mentioned, however, that a most satisfactory pad may be constructed as indicated in Fig. 7 in which 32 and 31 may eral way the description of the invention. It

be curled. hair or the like, making up the;

body of the pad, which may be provided i with suitable covering 34 of the desired material. I have heretofore used curled. hair, but any suitable material may be employed,

this depending entirely upon the requirements of the patient for which the same is intended. The stays 26 may be secured to the inner covering 3 k by a strip 35. It may be mentioned that the strips 35 may be extended to the exterior of the pad, as at 36, to provide a place for the attachment of the hooks and eyes 9 and 8, or the equivalent, as for example a lacing, affording a durable construction. In this case the stays and parts 36 will distribute the strain along the pad 50 that it will not draw at any part. The pad may be and is preferably provided with an outer covering 37, and it may be mentioned that I prefer to make this out of chamois skin or like material, which is soft and durable. Obviously,however, any other material may be provided for the purpose. It will be noted, as previously mentioned, one ,of the pad parts is providedor formed with a slight bulge 6 to illustrate how the pad may be made to serve as a truss for use in cases of hernia or like trouble. The patient afiiicted with hernia often sulfers from ptosis, and my pad or supporting device may be constructed to serve both as a viscera support as well as a truss. In this case I provide a part 38 of the desired or necessary size and shape and of suitable material, which may be positioned within the outer covering 37. The part 38 may be made of papier-mach, wood, cork, metal, or any equivalent suitable for the purpose, and may be satisfactorily secured in place by using a cover 39, and securing this to the inner covering 84. Of course the position of the part 38, and the material employed, together with its size and shape, depends entirely upon the condition of the patient.

- The device is ordinarily applied while the patient is lying in a reclining position, so that the viscera to be supported are in normal or substantially normal posi ion. After the patient arises the viscera are then sup ported by my device. The application, ob jects and use of the device will be most clearly understood by referring to illustrative Figs. 8 and 9 of the drawings. Fig. 8 represents a vertical section of a portion of a human body, and Fig. 9 a view in elevation of the pelvis. The stomach A, large colon B, and small intestine C, are shown more or less in normal position. They are not, of course, shown in detail, but merely diagrammatically. The abdomen is shown in the dotted lines as it would ordinarily be without my support, and in this case the stomach, colon and intestines, or other parts of the viscera, would be dropped or be lower than shown in Fig. 8, in case of ptosis. In this case P represents the pelvic or pubic arch, and Gimbernatzs and Pouparts ligaments extend substantially along the upper edge of the pelvis, as indicated at L, and the femoral arteries and veins extend between the ligaments and the bone down to the leg, for example, illustrated at the point marked X in Fig. 8, and down as at Y in Fig. 9, dotted lines (not shown with accuracy). My support is constructed of such size and shape that when applied by the patient while in a reclining position, as mentioned, it will lie substantially as shown in Fig. 8, in which S represents the support. It will be noted that the abdomen is forced inwardly and maintained in that po sition by the device, the lower sides or hot toms of the pad S being above the brim of the pelvis, or pubic arch of the pelvis, the same being a sufficient distance above the bone so as not to crowd Gimbernatzs and Pouparts ligaments and the blood-vessels extending over the pubic arch below the ligaments. It projects inwardly, however, the inner lower edge being in some cases a considerable distance inwardly the pubic arch. It will be noted that in this case the viscera will press or bear down on the pad substantially as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 8, and the same carried by the support which is supported by or above the ligaments. The object of the garter previously described and marked G in Fig. 8, which is secured to each pad part, will be obvious by referring to this figure. l/Vhile the support is maintained in place and prevented from dropping by the corset to which it is attached, or the girdle, as the case may be, the garter positioned up from thebottom tends to throw or tip the lower part of the pad into the abdomen, so that my device forms substantially a shelf on the inner side of the pubic arch, and abovethe same, thereby properly carrying the viscera.

While ordinarily a two-part pad, as con structed in Fig. 5,- is satisfactory, and has proven comfortable and efiicient in service, by extending one of the pads over the part indicated at 3 in Fig. 2, and. making the cooperating pad part of less thickness, so that they are substantially flush at the outer faces, there is no tendency to pinch or have the flesh protrude at the center of the ab domen or juncture of the pads. In addition, in some cases where the patient has a rupture or hernia, the same may be in such position that the slight gap between the two pads at the center, as might be the case in Fig. 5, if the pads were not properly applied, would not be desirable. Where the patient is afiiict-ed with hernia the device may be constructed as shown with the part 38, should the, physician prescribe the same. WVhile a one-part pad would be satisfactory in so far as support is concerned, I have found the two-part pad much easier and convenient for the patient to apply, as it is ordinarily somewhat difiicnlt to hook or lacs atone side, as for example at tor 5. Should the patient increase or decrease in weight, it is often necessary or desirable to secure the pads to the corset or girdle in changed positions, or vary the size of the pads. Where the-same is applied to the corset or girdle, as shown, it is a comparatively simple thing to do. Where the same is laced, it-is, of course, even easier. Where 'lacings'or like fastenings are used, however, there might be some tendency for the patient to make or vary the adjustment, which in some cases might not be desirable.

While my supporting device will support the viscera and afford relief to the patient, it is often desirable that the patient receive osteopathic treatments or the like, as to strengthen the abdominal muscles and walls. Treatments in conjunction. with my device may eventually cause the patient to improve until perhaps the support is not required. It may be mentioned that demonstrations of the device and X-ray photographs clearly show that the viscera are fully supported by my device. It also cannot be too strongly emphasized that my device is not merely an abdominal band arranged to contain, press or bind in the viscera, or .to serve as a corset or the like, to

change the "shape of the figure, and should not be confused with such devices, but is to support the viscera and assist and supplement nature.

Fronrthe preceding it is obvious that necessarily the device will be modified both as to size, shape and material, to meet the difi'erent conditions of various patients; consequently, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement or combination of parts herein shown and described. or uses mentioned;

It is however, advisable and necessary to form the pad with the lower thickened portion of a substantial length so that it will extendwell across both sides of'the central plane of the patient. This is distinguished from a tapered form where the enlarged portion would be centralized somewhat. It is also expedient and necessary to use, in connection with the pad and its supporting fiop'ies ot this patent may be obtained for devices, a means which will tend to deflect the thickened lower edge well back in the position, as shown in Fig. 8. Such means has been shown as represented by the straps 24:, but other tipping means maybe pr0-' vided, if desired.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a visceral supporting device of the character described, the combination with a 'member designed to encompass the body of the wearer, of apad carried by said member of a length to extend across the abdomen of the wearer and having its lower edge part two like sections of substantially rectangular formation and having their lower edges thicker than their upper edges, detachable means for uniting the adjacent edges of the pad, and means for deflecting the thickened edges of the pad inward when applied for the purposes specified.

3. In a visceral supporting device of the character described the combination with a carryin" element for encompassing the :body

of the wearer, a divided part of. a length sui'ficient to'eatend across the forward part of the body on opposite sides of the center,

one of said pads having a portion designed to overlap the other, means for securing the pads to the supporting element, means for uniting the'edges ofthe pads, and devices for tipping the lower edges of the pad inward when applied. 7

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two sub--.

scribing witnesses. I

DAYTON B. noLooMB- Witnesses:

Roy W. HILL,

GHAnLns I. Conn.

Washington, D. 1!. 

